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SCHOOL HISTORY

In the mid 1860s, a Mrs Birkett had a common school in Lal Lal in what is now Charlie Parker's house. Pupils paid one shilling a week and Mrs Birkett taught them what she knew although she had only 3 years of schooling herself. No more is known about this school.

School began on February 2nd, 1866 in a private home owned by Katie Enright on the Clarendon Road, only about 100 yards or so from the current school. The headmaster Douglas McRae rented it for 2 shillings a week and began with 21 students. Mr McRae received no salary while teaching there.

Soon there were 33 students enrolled so a local committee was formed, a school was started and government help was sought.The committee consisted of: Michael Enright, Labourer, Roman Catholic, Lal Lal James Ralph, Engineer, Church of England, Lal Lal Patrick Neagle, Labourer, Roman Catholic, Lal Lal Angus McLean, Plate layer, Presbyterian, Lal Lal Thomas Mayo Capell, storekeeper, Independent, Lal LalThis committee sent a letter to the Board of education asking for a proper school building. The school was built on the original Methodist Church site, measuring 25' x 15' and 10' to the eaves. It had a pine floor, a shingle roof and was built of colonial timber. It was officially established on 1st of July 1866 with a Roll number of 863. Mr Capell, a storekeeper and a member of the school's committee, erected a school residence at his own expense. The building cost him 60 pounds, no small sum in those days. It was built on land he held by a Miner's Right.

Mr McRae resigned in November 1967 so Capell asked an acquaintance, Andrew George Scott, a lay reader from Mt Egerton, if he knew of a suitable replacement. (Scott, a 'pillar of society' was soon to become the infamous "Captain Moonlite", bushranger). Scott recommended Lachlan McQueen, who in July 1874 said, as numbers had risen to 50 and the site was considered to be too close to a swamp and therefore, a health risk, a new school was needed. The Education Department was once again approached.

John James of Ballarat submitted the successful tender and Lal Lal State School No. 863 was built at a cost of four hundred and six pounds. It was built from local bricks, from the Lal Lal Brickworks, and could accommodate 72 students.

On November 24th, 1875, Mr F Findley, Travelling Inspector of School Buildings certified the completion of the new school and Mr McQueen was given permission to open the new school in December 1875.

During the school's history, attendance has ranged from 8 - 80 students with peak numbers from 1870-1883 because of the workings of the iron ore and coal mines.

In April 1977 a large shed was erected to serve as a gymnasium and for wet weather activities. This was funded by the Pine Plantation funds. In 1983, the large pine trees around the school boundary had become dangerous and were removed. Later in 1991, the creek which ran across the property was filled in over a drain and an oval was created to the delight of all the children. By 1992, two other classrooms had been added along with the sports/storage area, the cleaner's storeroom and a toilet block.

Today we see the original building, 2 mod-5 classrooms, a newer toilet block, a purpose built brick classroom, the original school used as an office, a large undercover area for both summer and winter use, a tennis court, store shed, playground with shade sail and a covered sandpit.

1885Teachers and pupils outside the Lal Lal State School, no 863. The school is a brick building with several large windows and a door on the right. The male students are wearing jackets and trousers, and the female students are wearing dresses. There are many large trees in the background.Acquisition Information:Copied from Pauline Holloway, 1985Acknowledgement:The Biggest Family Album of Australia, Museum Victoria